Kūmarahou: A Breath of Fresh Air from the Bush

Cleanse gently. Breathe freely. Live naturally.

In our Living Well blog series at Lemon Tree NZ, we’re proud to spotlight the powerful native plants of Aotearoa that have supported wellbeing for generations. Today, we explore the golden blossoms and healing spirit of Kūmarahou — known as “the gum-digger’s soap” and one of nature’s most trusted herbal allies.

🌿 What is Kūmarahou?

Kūmarahou (Pomaderris kumeraho) is a native New Zealand shrub found in the North Island, particularly in Northland and the Coromandel. In early spring, its branches bloom with clusters of small, golden-yellow flowers that seem to light up the forest edges.

Traditionally, Māori used Kūmarahou as a cleansing and detoxifying plant — inside and out. The leaves contain natural saponins, which lather with water and were used as a natural soap by early settlers and gum diggers.

But Kūmarahou is more than a cleanser. In rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing), it is revered for its respiratory, circulatory, and skin-supporting properties.

🌸 Traditional Uses of Kūmarahou

For generations, Kūmarahou has played an essential role in herbal medicine:

• 🌬️ Lung support – Infusions were used to ease asthma, bronchitis, and coughs
• 💛 Blood purifier – Taken as a tonic to cleanse the liver and bloodstream
• 🧼 Natural soap – Crushed leaves create a lather that gently cleanses the skin
• 💧 Internal detox – Used to rebalance the body after illness or inflammation

“Kūmarahou is the bush’s breath – it clears, soothes, and strengthens from within.”

🌿 Why You’ll Love It Today

In our fast-paced, often polluted world, Kūmarahou offers gentle support to:

• Detoxify and cleanse the system
• Support lung and respiratory function
• Soothe inflammation
• Boost clarity and energy

Whether you’re recovering from a seasonal bug or simply looking to reset, Kūmarahou reminds us that healing begins with the breath — and with nature.

🌼 Featured Product: ŌKU Tea Tube – Restore

We’ve carefully selected the ŌKU Restore blend for those moments when your body and mind need to hit refresh. This powerful tea features a thoughtful mix of native and medicinal plants, including:

🍃 Kūmarahou – to support lung and liver cleansing
🍃 Kawakawa – for circulation and digestive comfort
🍃 Mānuka – to support respiratory health
🍃 Karamū – to improve circulation

🫖 Naturally caffeine-free
♻️ Packaged in a plastic-free, reusable tube
💚 Made with aroha (love) in Aotearoa

One calming cup at a time, you can help your body do what it does best — restore.

From the Forest to Your Teacup

Kūmarahou teaches us the value of gentle resilience — of nourishing our lungs, detoxing our systems, and trusting in slow, natural healing. It reminds us to breathe deeply, drink mindfully, and honour the earth that gives us so much.

So when your body calls for a reset, pause. Let your ritual begin with the forest.